Lead Design Manager — Cafés & Retail Experience

Design Better Podcast; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Capital One is seeking a Principal Associate, Design Manager (Cafes) to lead architectural design and project management for Capital One Cafes and branches. The role focuses on delivering concept to construction, coordinating with internal teams and external architects, ensuring design intent, and maintaining schedule milestones across design, bid, and permit phases.

The role requires strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills to balance stakeholder needs and deliver premium

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field is required.
• Military experience is acceptable as part of the qualification.
• Experience in commercial retail design or architectural projects is essential.
• Strong design development and construction documentation skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end architectural design and documentation for cafes and branch formats.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies to assess program fit.
• Guide external architects through due diligence, site visits and code reviews.
• Adapt design standards to site conditions and local market needs.
• Lead exterior and interior design using sketches and 3D visuals with leadership.
• Manage architects of record to ensure high-quality construction documents.
• Supervise design execution during Construction Administration and reviews submittals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leadership to influence outcomes.
• Travel up to 20% depending on project needs.

Skills

Architectural design

Construction documentation

Project management

Client collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Military experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

SketchUp 3D

Photoshop

Job description

Capital One is seeking a Principal Associate, Design Manager (Cafes) to lead architectural design and project management for Capital One Cafes and branches. The role focuses on delivering concept to construction, coordinating with internal teams and external architects, ensuring design intent, and maintaining schedule milestones across design, bid, and permit phases.

The role requires strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills to balance stakeholder needs and deliver premium